Insights into Single‐Atom Metal–Support Interactions in Electrocatalytic Water Splitting

Abstract

AbstractElectrochemical water splitting is a promising approach for energy conversion and storage. The exploration of low‐cost, efficient, and durable electrocatalysts is of great significance for realizing a large‐scale application and forming a sustainable chemistry. Recently single‐atom catalysts (SACs), with isolated metal atoms anchored on supports, exhibit distinctive performances for electrocatalytic water splitting. Single‐atom catalysis is emerging as a new frontier for bridging the homogeneous and heterogeneous catalyses. Therefore, the synthesis of SACs with excellent durability is highly desirable but challenging. Here, recent progress of SACs in supports and synthetic strategies, characterization techniques, and the electrochemical application toward water splitting is summarized. Fully understanding the interactions between the single‐atom metal and the support is extremely important for the design and preparation of highly stable SACs as well as the improvement of electrocatalytic activity, which are particularly discussed in this context. Finally, the current challenges and future opportunities for the development of this field are discussed.